2023 

Emil Asanov (West Virginia University) 

Emil Asanov has significantly advanced the teaching and learning of Russian through his innovative pedagogical approaches and dedication to student-centered learning. As a second-year Ph.D. student at West Virginia University, Asanov has demonstrated exceptional versatility and confidence as a graduate teaching assistant, teaching various levels of Russian language courses. His pedagogical philosophy, deeply inspired by feminist pedagogy, emphasizes power-sharing, community-building, and leadership fostering, creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Asanov has been instrumental in organizing co-curricular activities, including a notable museum program that enhances students' language skills and cultural understanding through experiential learning. His commitment to addressing students' unique needs and fostering a supportive learning community is evident in his classroom practices, which encourage active participation and critical engagement. Asanov's contributions to the field, including a chapter on language pedagogy and his leadership in extracurricular programming, highlight his innovative approach to teaching and his commitment to enhancing the Russian language education landscape. The American Council of Teachers of Russian recognizes Emil Asanov with the 2023 Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Graduate Student Level for his outstanding contributions to the field and his profound impact on students' learning experiences.

Ivan Sokolov (University of California, Berkeley)

Ivan Sokolov, a gifted instructor at the University of California, Berkeley, has redefined the teaching of Russian culture through his integrative and topic-based approach, notably in his acclaimed course on "The History, Mythology, and Art of St. Petersburg." His pedagogical strategy is characterized by the innovative incorporation of a vast range of cultural texts, from classical literature to contemporary media, enabling students to explore the rich tapestry of Russian heritage in a deeply immersive manner. Sokolov's commitment to a student-centered learning environment is evident in his thoughtful selection of materials that resonate with students' diverse interests and backgrounds, including those of heritage speakers. This approach not only fosters a robust engagement with the subject matter but also cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills among his students. Additionally, Sokolov's ability to create a vibrant classroom atmosphere, where students are encouraged to actively participate and explore the interconnectedness of language and culture, has been instrumental in making Russian studies a dynamic and appealing field for a broad audience. His dedication to enhancing the educational experience through a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods, coupled with his passion for Russian culture, makes Ivan Sokolov an exemplary figure in language education. The American Council of Teachers of Russian recognizes Ivan Sokolov with the Award for Excellence in Teaching, honoring his significant contributions to the enrichment of Russian language and culture studies.

2022

Ani Abrahamyan (Indiana University)

Ani Abrahamyan, a Ph.D. candidate in Russian literature at Indiana University, is an outstanding instructor dedicated to creating an engaging, interactive, and supportive classroom environment. She uses innovative methods such as genre‐based and project‐based learning to help students connect language, culture, and communication, developing multiliteracies through diverse tasks with printed, online, auditory, and visual materials. The awards committee noted Ani’s commitment to empowering students at all levels to become active participants in the linguistic and cultural life of the Russophone world.

Ani teaches in the regular program and leads the Indiana University Summer Language Workshop, helping dozens of students achieve proficiency. She co‐designed and co‐taught a survey course on Russian culture with an innovative syllabus centered on cultural artifacts rather than a historical timeline. Additionally, she has enriched the Russian language program by developing training materials and mentoring assistant instructors and tutors. Beyond her classroom duties, Ani promotes Russian language and culture by organizing extracurricular activities, including a Russian conversation table, Slavic Department talent shows, and holiday celebrations.

Aselle Almuratova (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Aselle Almuratova, a Ph.D. candidate in Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is a gifted, dedicated, and creative teacher. At UW–Madison, she has taught first- and second-year Russian—including summer intensive courses adapted for online teaching—and an introductory intercultural course on Kazakhstan. She has also served as a teaching assistant and discussion leader in courses on 19th and 20th century Russian literature.

Aselle is committed to inclusive classroom practices that reflect her students’ diverse perspectives and expand their understanding of the Russophone world. Her efforts extend beyond traditional teaching: she has served as a TA for “Russia: An Interdisciplinary Survey,” coordinated language programs at Russkii dom, facilitated online discussions between UW–Madison and Nazarbayev University students, and created videos for Golosa. Additionally, she fosters community among students and colleagues through co-curricular activities and mentoring. The committee praised her outstanding contributions in teaching, curricular development, and materials design, especially in DEI, and agreed that she will help transform our profession by decolonizing curricula and better representing the diversity of the Russophone world.